Fred Fonda: A Distinguished Career and a New Era at the Helm of UBA Africa’s Finances
On October 2, 2024, the United Bank for Africa (UBA) made a strategic announcement that signals a major shift in its financial leadership across the African continent: Fred Fonda has been appointed Chief Financial Officer for Africa. With this prestigious appointment, Fonda will oversee UBA’s financial operations in Central, West, and East Africa—a vast and critical responsibility, demonstrating the institution’s trust in his leadership. Based at UBA Plc’s headquarters in Lagos, Fonda officially assumed his duties on October 1, 2024, pending regulatory approval from Nigerian authorities.
A Career Defined by Excellence
Fred Fonda is a well-known figure in Africa’s financial landscape, with over 13 years of distinguished service in senior roles at major banking institutions. Prior to his current promotion, he served as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for UBA Cameroon, where he excelled since June 2021. In this role, he ensured the financial stability of the subsidiary by driving innovative reforms, automating processes, and implementing long-term growth strategies. His leadership was instrumental in transforming governance structures and ensuring full regulatory compliance, two cornerstones he views as vital to the stability and success of any financial institution.
Before joining UBA, Fonda was Chief Financial Officer at National Financial Credit (NFC) Bank in Cameroon, where he served for five years (2016–2021). His tenure at NFC was marked by the development and execution of cost optimization strategies and improvements in financial processes. He spearheaded resource rationalization initiatives and asset management programs, ensuring sustainable profitability for the bank. Fonda’s role also involved directly supervising over 20 financial controllers, a testament to his exceptional managerial and leadership skills.
A Global Financial Expertise Underpinned by Solid Education
What truly sets Fred Fonda apart is his profound expertise in international finance and governance. A Chartered Accountant (ACCA), Fonda also holds a Master’s in Corporate Finance from London Metropolitan University (2008–2009). This elite academic background endowed him with advanced skills in financial management, investment strategy, and strategic planning. Prior to his return to Africa, where he would play a pivotal role in advancing the local banking sector, Fonda honed his expertise as a financial consultant at Kiel Financial in London, mastering the intricacies of structuring complex investments.
A Clear Vision for UBA Africa
Now leading the financial direction for UBA across the continent, Fred Fonda is poised to steer one of Africa’s largest banks towards a future of sustained growth and innovation. His appointment is not only a recognition of his outstanding capabilities but also a clear indication of UBA’s commitment to fortifying its presence across the continent. « Fred Fonda brings extensive experience in crafting and executing financial strategies aimed at strengthening the bank’s financial capacity, fully aligned with its global strategy and regulatory standards, » UBA noted in its official statement.
With a wealth of experience and a sharp strategic vision, Fred Fonda stands as a key figure in shaping the future of African banking. He represents a new generation of financial leaders, capable of bridging local needs with international best practices, while fostering a culture of sustainable growth for UBA and the broader African economy.
In this prestigious role, Fred Fonda’s journey marks him as one of the foremost financial minds in Africa, and his leadership will undoubtedly be pivotal in driving both UBA’s future successes and the economic advancement of the region.
Mérimé Wilson